Comparison between Ayatollah Jawādi Āmuli and Ayatollāh Misbāh-e Yazdi's Views on the Arguments for the Guardianship of the Muslim Jurist

‘The guardianship of the Muslim jurist’ as an Islamic political theory in the period of Major Occultation has been advanced by the ShiÝi jurists (faqihs) and scholars. They have offered different arguments, rational as well as transmitted (textual), for it. In contrast, there are some who have been opposed to it taking the proposed arguments insufficient to establish it. In the present circumstances that a system of government has been formed on the basis of such a theory, it is essential to explain and expound on the arguments used to establish this theory. Among the contemporary well-known jurists and religious scholars, AyatollÁh JawÁdi Àmoli and AyatollÁh MisbÁh Yazdi are distinguished figures whose ideas and views, both in religious schools or seminaries, universities and academic circles, attract special attention. Thus, the comparison between the views of these two prominent figures on the arguments for the establishment of the thesis of the guardianship of the Muslim jurist can shed light on some of the scientific considerations on the discussions about the subject in question and the intricacies involved, contributing to the explanation and establishment of the thesis. Therefore, taking this aim into consideration, the present article tries to study and make a comparison between the ideas of these two figures about the arguments for the guardianship of the Muslim jurist drawing upon the analysis of arguments presented by these two scholars and a rather careful and thorough study of the works by these two figures.